Tigers Win Total Prediction
Can the Detroit Tigers bounce back this season and contend in the AL Central? Here’s a breakdown of their upcoming season.
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Tigers have been given an over/under of 83.5 wins for the 2017 season. The Tigers are also listed with 28/1 odds while also getting 15/1 odds to win the ALCS.
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There was some speculation that the Tigers might have a fire sale this offseason after going 86-75 last season and missing out on the playoffs. However, the team kept Brad Ausmus as manager and only made one trade, sending Cameron Maybin to the L.A. Angeles. The Tigers didn’t make many signings, adding some backup players and some arms to minor-league contracts.
The Tigers return a pretty solid lineup, but they are also a year older. Miguel Cabrera is coming off a 38-HR, 108-RBI season in 2016. Victor Martinez also returns as the DH after getting 27 HR and 86 RBI last year, but his knees aren’t improving as he is a year older. J.D. Martinez dealt with some injuries last year but still hit 22 HR and 68 RBI. Justin Upton was hot late in the season and ended up with 31 HR and 87 RBI.
The Tigers’ pitching staff is still pretty solid. Justin Verlander nearly won the Cy Young last year after going 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA and 254 strikeouts. Michael Fulmer was the AL Rookie of the Year after going 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA and 132 strikeouts to just 42 walks. The team is hoping Jordan Zimmerman can stay healthy after pitching in just 19 games last year. He had a 4.87 ERA for the season, but started the year hot and never got that back after battling injuries. In the bullpen, the Tigers were improved from 2015, as Francisco Rodriguez recorded 44 saves with a 3.24 ERA.
Can the Tigers just match what they did a year ago? Their lineup is a year older, but still dangerous. Cabrera was able to stay largely healthy in 2016, but has battled ankle issues for the past four seasons. Can he continue to be a 30-HR, 100-RBI guy? The Tigers are also trusting in some unproven pitchers. Can Fulmer possibly match what he did as a rookie? Can Daniel Norris provided the Tigers with another reliable starter? Detroit Also has to compete with Cleveland and Kansas City in the Central. The Indians were 14-4 against the Tigers last year. Given this team is probably in a “last chance” scenario to make a playoff run, I think it will get to at least 84 wins. Cabrera, V-Mart, Verlander, Zimmerman may not get another solid shot at a title, so I expect them to rally together this season.
2017 MLB SEASON WIN TOTAL PREDICTION: DETROIT TIGERS OVER 83.5